The film was shot entirely on location in Portugal and features an all-Portuguese cast, giving audiences a glimpse into lesser-known folklore and culture. The film’s sound designers used traditional Portuguese instruments to create an eerie and unsettling ambience.
One of the standout elements of Incantation is its strong visual style. The film’s cinematographer, Miguel Sales Lopes, captures the beauty and ruggedness of the Portuguese landscape through a vivid, almost supernatural lens. The stunning visual imagery is enhanced by the film’s color grading, which helps to create a uniquely haunting and atmospheric horror experience.
But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Incantation is its use of Portuguese folklore and mythology. The film draws from the country’s ancient legends and superstitions, weaving them into the plot to create a sense of unease and terror. This includes the use of a central character in the film known as the “moura encantada,” a female entity from Portuguese folklore who is cursed by a spell of enchantment.
The themes of family, grief, and the supernatural are woven into the fabric of the film’s plot, which adds another layer of depth to the movie. Rose’s relationship with her mother is strained but loving, and the events that follow her arrival in Portugal force her to confront her past and come to terms with her grief.
The movie’s pacing is fairly slow, which could be a turn-off for some horror fans who prefer more action-packed movies. However, for those who appreciate slower character-driven horror films, Incantation is definitely worth a watch.
Overall, Incantation is a visually stunning film that successfully integrates Portuguese folklore and mythology into its storytelling. It’s a rewarding experience for horror lovers who want to explore lesser-known cultures and traditions, and for fans of slow-burning atmospheric horror films. The film’s strong visual style and haunting sound design make it a memorable and worthwhile viewing experience.